Baby survival in Nigeria faces significant challenges, especially among preterm infants. Each year, Nigeria records over 774,100 preterm births, ranking third globally. Many of these infants require advanced medical care, but rising healthcare costs and inadequate resources create barriers. Without timely intervention, the survival of preterm babies becomes uncertain, leading to heartbreak for families and losses in the healthcare system.
The Struggles of Preterm Births in Nigeria
Preterm babies often need intensive care, including respiratory support, nutrition management, and treatment for complications like jaundice. However, care is expensive, with costs reaching millions of naira in private facilities. Families like Shakira Abubakar’s, whose baby was born at 27 weeks, struggle to afford necessary treatments, often leaving parents overwhelmed.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of child deaths in low-income countries. In Nigeria, access to critical equipment like CPAP machines remains limited, with less than 10% of hospitals equipped to provide essential care.
Economic Inequalities and Baby Survival in Nigeria
Preterm care quality often depends on a family’s financial status. Wealthier parents can afford expensive treatments, while low-income families face harsh realities, including abandonment of babies at hospitals. Critical supplies like surfactants, costing N135,000 per vial, and antibiotics, which cost N30,000 per dose, are unaffordable for most. These disparities highlight the urgent need for government intervention to improve baby survival in Nigeria.
Calls for Change
Experts advocate for health insurance systems that cover preterm care, reducing financial strain on families. Countries like Malawi have seen improvements by integrating such policies. Programs like NEST360 in Nigeria work to bridge care gaps by providing medical equipment and training for healthcare providers. Collaborative efforts from policymakers, philanthropists, and global health organizations are crucial to advancing baby survival in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Baby survival in Nigeria requires urgent attention to reduce infant mortality and ensure equal access to care. Policies supporting preterm healthcare funding and equitable resource distribution can save thousands of lives. For policymakers and advocates seeking to address these challenges, Genderpedia.ng/shop offers a wide range of gender-focused documents and resources. Visit the shop today to access comprehensive tools for improving healthcare policies and systems.
